Riverside Car Accident Lawyers
- Automobile Accidents in Riverside
- Traffic Details in Riverside
- Riverside County Car Accident Lawyers
- The Best Reasons to Retain an Automobile Accident Lawyer
- The Most Common Categories of Automobile Accidents
- The Most Common Causes of Automobile Accidents
- The Types of Injuries Occurring in Automobile Accidents
- The Parties Liable for the Injuries That Victims Suffer in Automobile Accidents
- Primary Causes of Car Accidents in Riverside
- What Happens If I Am in an Automobile Accident?
- What Steps Should I Take if I Am Injured During an Automobile Accident?
- How to Reduce Your Chances of Being in an Automobile Accident
POWERHOUSE INJURY LAW FIRM Protecting Injured Car Accident Victims in Riverside County
The Inland Empire is home to Riverside. Riverside County is one of the most populous and diverse counties in southern California. It is the Santa Ana River that gives Riverside County its name. Situated approximately fifty miles southeast of Los Angeles, Riverside is the most populated county in the Inland Empire.
Riverside is also considered a part of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. According to recent data, it is the 12th most populated city in California and considered as the 61st most populated city in the country. With Riverside car accident lawyers on your side, you can rest assured that you have a dedicated legal team working to protect your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Automobile accidents are traumatizing, and Southern California is a congested and crowded area where the majority of people use their personal vehicles for transportation. Many traffic collisions result in serious bodily injury or death. Accident victims may struggle to deal with the reality of being involved in a dangerous accident. Individuals involved in accidents may feel angry, frustrated, and stressed. Physical injuries can force people to stop working and spend large amounts of time participating in physical therapy and rehabilitation. Unfortunately, some accident victims suffer permanent disabilities due to their injuries.
Riverside County is a populated area, and the large population makes it more likely that accidents will occur on a regular basis. Approximately 292 people died in automobile accidents in Riverside in 2018. In 2017, 305 fatalities occurred due to automobile accidents. The 91 and 60 Freeways are two sites where most traffic collisions happen in Riverside.
Some of the most dangerous spots in Riverside for drivers and passengers are the 60 and 215 freeway interchanges, the 60 and 15 freeway interchanges, and the 90 and 60 freeway interchanges. Other spots where many collisions take place are Canyon Crest, Jurupa Avenue, and Arlington Avenue. Downtown areas with congested streets see more fatalities due to traffic accidents.
The effects of trauma can remain with victims for months or years. Sometimes an accident victim is unable to travel in an automobile due to anxiety and stress caused by post-traumatic stress disorder. Accident victims often need to seek counseling to learn how to deal with the overwhelming fear and anxiety experienced by survivors of traffic collisions.
A farm worker suffered multiple broken bones and other orthopedic injuries resulting from an auto accident where the defendant driver attempted to make a left turn in front of our client in heavy fog.– ARASH KHORSANDI
Automobile Accidents in Riverside
Millions of people live in southern California, and Riverside is one of the most populated cities in the entire region. Riverside is home to approximately 1.4 million licensed drivers, and more than 1.7 million automobiles are located in Riverside. Riverside has a large number of fatalities caused by traffic accidents. In 2015, nearly 230 fatal accidents occurred in Riverside. About 13,000 people suffered injuries during automobile accidents in Riverside. These accident victims are interested in learning more about personal injury claims and how they can seek financial compensation for their injuries.
Individuals in Riverside often do not know what to do after being involved in an automobile accident. Insurance policies, traffic collision reports, and other documents are all relevant to any personal injury claims asserted by injured accident victims.
Traffic Details in Riverside
How A Riverside Car Accidents Attorney Can Help
Many accident victims do not know where to turn when they want to seek monetary compensation for their injuries. A Riverside car accident lawyer can help accident victims file civil lawsuits so they can seek compensation to help pay for medical bills and other costs that arise due to an automobile accident. Property loss and lost wages are also recoverable from a negligent driver and their insurance company. Also, some accident victims may be unable to perform their job duties, and they can seek financial compensation for lost future earnings.
The Best Reasons to Retain an Automobile Accident Lawyer
A skilled and knowledgeable automobile accident lawyer is prepared to take a case to trial if the insurance company does not offer a reasonable settlement amount. Also, a Riverside car accident lawyer can devise techniques and strategies for countering the arguments asserted by insurance companies. Having an experienced legal advocate on your behalf can give you the best chance of obtaining monetary compensation for your injuries.
The Most Common Categories of Automobile Accidents
Automobile accidents happen under many different circumstances. One accident may only involve one driver and one pedestrian. Another accident may involve several automobiles in a multiple-vehicle accident. The following are some of the most common kinds of accidents that occur in Riverside:
- Head-on Collisions – Head-on collisions are extremely dangerous. The force of two front ends of two vehicles striking each other can cause serious bodily injury and death. The extreme impact that happens during head-on collisions can also endanger other vehicles in close proximity to the accident scene.
- Rollover Accidents – Rollover accidents can occur when an automobile takes a sharp turn while traveling at a high rate of speed. Many victims who are involved in rollover accidents die due to their injuries. Untripped rollover accidents and rollover accidents are distinct types of accidents. Untripped rollover accidents are the result of a vehicle’s tires rising up from the pavement. Poor weather conditions and speeding can cause untripped rollover accidents. Tripped rollover accidents occur when a vehicle makes contact with an object and then rolls over. Top-heavy automobiles, such as large trucks and sport utility vehicles, are are more likely to be involved in rollover accidents. Rollover accidents can cause serious bodily injury and death, particularly if drivers or passengers are not wearing safety belts.
- Rear-end Collisions – Rear-end collisions can occur unexpectedly when drivers are texting and driving or engaging in other forms of distracted driving. One car may slow down suddenly, and then another vehicle may not have time to prevent a collision. Spinal cord injuries, such as whiplash, frequently occur during rear-end collisions. Unfortunately, many drivers do not have time to brace for the impact, and serious bodily injuries can happen quickly and unexpectedly. Under most circumstances, the individual driving the automobile in the rear is considered responsible for the accident. Rear-end collisions involving trucks can be even more dangerous than rear-end collisions involving sedans and compact cars.
- Side-impact Collisions – The majority of side-impact collisions occur when one driver does not yield to a second automobile. Also, side-impact collisions take place at intersections where a driver does not pay attention to traffic lights. Catastrophic injuries may occur if drivers are traveling at high speeds. Fortunately, some vehicles contain side airbags that can reduce the likelihood of serious bodily injury or death. Many drivers do not have time to brace for impact before being involved in a side-impact collision. Passengers and drivers may both suffer serious bodily injuries if they are struck by an automobile traveling at an excessive speed
- Single-car Accidents
- Failure-to-yield Accidents
- Merging Accidents
- Sideswipe Accidents
- Intersection Accidents
- Left-turn Accidents
- Pile-up or Multi-car Accidents
- Low-impact Collisions
- Hit-and-run Accidents
Automobile accidents resulting in fatalities may lead to wrongful death cases filed by the decedent’s surviving relatives. A knowledgeable Riverside car accident lawyer can help you understand if you may have grounds to assert a wrongful death claim against the negligent driver.
The Most Common Causes of Automobile Accidents
Recently developed safety mechanisms such as forward-collision warning systems and autonomous braking can make it less likely that automobile accidents will result in serious bodily injury or death. These technologies can help drivers and passengers avoid serious injuries such as fractured bones, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.
Some automobiles are safer now than they were twenty years ago. More than 7 million automobile accidents occurred throughout the country in 2016. Vehicle collisions are a fact of life in the United States.
Although automobiles are now designed with more sophisticated safety features, the freeways in Riverside are still extremely dangerous. Drivers need to be alert and responsible while driving on crowded highways. However, all drivers are prone to committing errors that can cause accidents and collisions. The following are some of the most common causes of accidents in Riverside:
- Inexperienced driving and younger drivers
- Following other vehicles too closely
- Fatigued driving
- Driving the wrong way down a road
- Driving at night
- Pedestrian violation
- Unsafe starting or backing
Some activities are more likely than others to cause automobile accidents. An experienced Riverside car accident lawyer can help injured victims understand their legal rights and how to begin the process of asserting legal claims against any negligent parties.
The Types of Injuries Occurring in Automobile Accidents
Approximately three million individuals suffered injuries in automobile accidents in 2016. The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration contains valuable information regarding traffic accident statistics.
Injuries can affect drivers and passengers who are involved in seemingly minor traffic accidents. Injured victims do not have to be involved in catastrophic accidents to suffer serious bodily injuries. Common injuries that victims suffer in automobile accidents include:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burns
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Loss of memory
- Nausea
Amputations
Fractured Bones
Burn Injuries
Spinal Cord Injuries
The Parties Liable for the Injuries That Victims Suffer in Automobile Accidents
Negligence law is the part of tort law that governs which parties may be liable for causing injuries during an automobile accident. Negligent behavior occurs when a driver acts in a reckless or irresponsible manner and causes another to suffer bodily injury.
Primary Causes of Car Accidents in Riverside
The California Highway Patrol collects information regarding motor vehicle accidents in Riverside. Approximately 26,000 traffic accidents occurred in Riverside in 2017. The following accidents were the most common in Riverside:
- Pedestrian right-of-way – 149
- Following too closely – 183
- Improper passing – 227
- Pedestrian violation – 231
- Hazardous violation – 268
- Driving on the wrong side of the road – 450
- Unsafe starting or backing – 730
- Traffic signal or sign error – 1,550
- Unsafe lane changing – 1,765
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol – 2,165
- Car right-of-way error – 2,293
- Improper turning – 5,993
- Excessive speed – 9,019
What Happens If I Am in an Automobile Accident?
If you were a party to an automobile accident and you are at fault, you will be liable for the personal injuries suffered by the other parties as well as any property damage that arose due to the accident. A knowledgeable automobile accident lawyer in Riverside can help you determine how best to proceed if you want to seek financial compensation for your injuries.
Gathering Evidence to Establish Arguments for Your Case
- Evidence regarding premium payments
- Copies of insurance policies
- Tax returns and pay stubs regarding lost wages
- Receipts related to vehicle damage and repairs
- Medical bills and medical records
- Items of clothing you wore when the accident occurred
- Traffic collision report
The details and information related to these documents may seem overwhelming to you. You should remember that you can seek help for every aspect of your automobile accident claim. A skilled and knowledgeable Riverside car accident lawyer can help you do everything within your power to develop a strong case strategy and pursue the financial compensation you deserve, such as:
- Subpoenaing witnesses
- Coaching an injured victim for testimonial purposes
- Gathering black box information that may contain useful information
- Subpoenaing mobile phone records
- Reviewing traffic camera footage
- Discovering surveillance footage of the accident from any individuals or businesses
- Requesting a copy of the police report and analyzing its contents
- Reviewing medical records
- Performing an accident reconstruction
- Taking accident scene photographs
- Employing skilled accident scene investigators
What Steps Should I Take if I Am Injured During an Automobile Accident?
Car accidents often occur unexpectedly, and the shock of an accident can make people feel like they don’t know where to turn. It is important to understand the options available to you after a vehicle collision. The following are some of the most important things everyone should do after being involved in a car accident:
- Collect evidence – Review the accident scene and document any details that may be used as evidence. Taking photographs and videos of the accident scene can help preserve evidence that can be helpful in a personal injury case. Also, speak with witnesses and gather their contact information. If you suffered property damage during the accident, collect any debris near the scene of the accident.
- Obtain insurance information from the other party – Collect the insurance information of the other party, but do not admit liability for the accident.
- Contact law enforcement – Immediately call law enforcement and request that an ambulance be sent to the accident scene. You should request that police officers create a report for your records.
- Determine the extent of your injuries – Assess the people who were in the accident and contact emergency medical personnel. Many drivers and passengers may not think that they suffered an injury, but everyone involved in an accident should be examined by a medical professional.
- Do not make the situation worse – Some parties may panic and become overwhelmed after being injured in an automobile accident. It is important for everyone to keep their composure and move the vehicles out of the path of oncoming traffic.
When Can I File a Civil Lawsuit?
Insurance companies want to maximize their profits, and insurance company representatives may offer you a low settlement offer in exchange for you signing a waiver of your rights to sue in the future. Do not sign the waiver before consulting with a knowledgeable Riverside car accident lawyer. You can obtain a higher settlement offer, or you may need to file a lawsuit and begin litigation. The following are common forms of monetary compensation you can pursue after a car accident:
- Punitive damages – If the other party engaged in egregious conduct, you can seek punitive damages that are intended to punish the defendant and deter the defendant from committing the same behavior in the future.
- Property damage – The at-fault driver is liable for paying repair costs if you suffered property damage during the accident.
- Lost earnings – You can seek compensation for the time you lost from work due to the accident. You may claim lost future earnings if you are unable to perform your work duties in the future due to your injuries. It is also possible that your injuries may make it impossible for you to return to your former career after recovering from a car accident.
- Bodily injuries – You can seek financial compensation for medical bills that you incurred due to the accident
Should I Obtain Legal Representation?
An insurance adjuster may want to speak with you after a car accident. It is best for you to seek independent legal counsel before you speak with any representative of an insurance company. You want to make sure that you understand your legal rights, and a skilled Riverside car accident lawyer can provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your rights and if you want to seek monetary compensation for your injuries.
Driving Laws in California
- The statute of limitations – Injured individuals in California need to file personal injury claims within two years of the date of injury. Some exceptions may apply that can toll the statute of limitations for a period of time.
- Sharing fault – California adheres to a pure comparative negligence scheme, meaning the amount of financial compensation a party may be entitled to will be lowered based on their degree of contributory negligence.
- Automobile insurance – All individuals who operate an automobile in California must be financially responsible for $35,000 in damages. California allows motorists to establish financial responsibility with a surety bond of $35,000, a deposit in the amount of $35,000, or an insurance policy. The minimum amounts of insurance coverage are $5,000 for property damage liability, $30,000 for bodily injury liability, and $15,000 for bodily injury liability per person.
- Reporting automobile accidents – Accidents must be reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles if the accident resulted in more than $1,000 or if any party suffered a bodily injury during the accident.
What Is the Cost of Retaining a Personal Injury Lawyer?
It is important to understand that many car accident lawyers use a contingency fee agreement when representing clients in personal injury cases. The client does not pay any fees to the attorney before financial compensation is collected. After the case settles, the attorney will deduct a percentage of the total, and this reduction compensates the lawyer for the legal services provided to the client.
Some attorneys may bill clients using different fee arrangements. For example, a Riverside car accident lawyer may have an hourly rate or use a retainer fee. It is important to understand the differences between these fee agreements before you retain legal counsel.
Settlement in a motor vehicle accident; client suffered internal injuries.– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Types of Damages in Personal Injury Cases
The following types of compensation may be available to those injured in car accidents:
- General damages – Emotional distress; loss of consortium; physical pain and suffering
- Special damages – Repair or replacement services, such as vehicle maintenance or infant care; home and vehicle modification costs; lost earnings; lost future earnings; past and future medical bills
You need to identify the liable parties who are involved in an automobile accident. This step is important for proving liability. Many different parties may be liable for your injuries, including:
- Marketers, retailers, shipping companies, manufacturers, and common carriers
- The employer of the driver who caused the accident
- The owners of the vehicles involved in the accident
- Other drivers who were involved in the accident
The driver responsible for the accident may not have automobile liability insurance. Many drivers who operate vehicles in California do not have automobile liability insurance. The total number of uninsured drivers in California may be as high as fifteen percent.
Uninsured motorist coverage can protect drivers in California who are involved in accidents with uninsured drivers. If you are struck by a driver who does not have insurance, you can still seek financial compensation from the insurance company rather than filing a claim with a third party. If you do not have uninsured motorist coverage or underinsured motorist coverage, you may not have the ability to seek financial compensation for your injuries.
Do I Have to Attend Court to File a Claim?
The majority of automobile accident claims in California settle out of court. You may go to court if an insurance company does not offer a reasonable settlement amount. All automobile accidents are different, and a skilled Riverside personal injury attorney can understand if it may be necessary to litigate your case. Many automobile accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so you do not need to provide any financial assistance if your case does go to court.
How Should I Communicate with My Insurance Company?
You will need to file a report informing your insurer of the automobile accident. You do not want to risk losing your insurance coverage because you did not report the details of your accident. It is important to be clear and forthright when you inform the insurance company of the details regarding the car accident. However, insurance adjusters may attempt to reduce your insurance claim. Do not provide any information regarding faults or how you are dealing with any injuries. An attorney should focus on communicating with insurance companies regarding the nature and extent of your injuries.
How to Reduce Your Chances of Being in an Automobile Accident
Automobile accidents can be extremely traumatic. However, drivers can take active steps to reduce the likelihood that they will be involved in a car accident. The following suggestions will help drivers protect themselves and other motorists while traveling on roads in California:
- Focus on the road. – Distracted driving is one of the most dangerous activities drivers can engage in at any time. Putting away a mobile phone, turning down the radio volume, and removing all distractions can protect drivers and passengers.
- Be a defensive driver. – Drivers need to focus on the drivers surrounding them. Paying attention to the other vehicles on the road can prevent accidents and make driving a safer activity. Paying attention to the actions of other drivers can prevent traffic accidents.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs. – Drivers need to be focused on the road and other drivers around them. Intoxicated drivers are more likely to cause traffic accidents. Even small amounts of alcohol and drugs can cause impairment.
- Maintain your automobile. – Focusing on keeping your automobile in good working condition can prevent many accidents. If any vehicle recall issues arise, it is best to take your automobile to a dealership so any issues can be addressed.
When Can I Receive a Settlement Check?
You may accept the insurance company’s offer, reject the offer, or appeal the denial. The decisions you make can extend the overall time period of your case. An automobile accident claim trial may last one or two days, but most cases do not go to trial. The full process often takes one calendar year. The following steps are a general outline of a personal injury case process:
- File the complaint. – It can take weeks or months to serve the defendant because you need to find the defendant and their registered agent, if applicable.
- Wait for the defendant’s answer. – The defendant has approximately a month to file a response to the complaint.
- Discovery. – The discovery phase occurs when parties exchange information about the facts of the case. Discovery may last months or a year.
- Appeal. – Any outcome of a trial can be appealed by either party. The appeals process may mean that the parties will have to wait years until a final judgment is ordered.
Contact Arash Law's Award-Winning Team of Car Accident Lawyers in Riverside
Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., helps injured victims seek financial compensation for their injuries. We have decades of experience representing clients in personal injury cases. We have recovered over $500 Million for clients throughout California. We focus on your case, and we are not afraid to stand up to insurance companies and assert the rights of our clients.
Contact Arash Law, spearheaded by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free consultation. Our Riverside car accident attorneys serve the surrounding areas such as Corona, Redlands, Norco, San Bernardino, Moreno Valley, Rialto, Fontana, Loma Linda, Mira Loma, Colton, Glen Avon, Bloomington, Pedley, Grand Terrace, and Rubidoux.
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